“I want to start off by saying Hotties for Harris!” Megan Thee Stallion announced as she took the stage at the Georgia State Convocation Center in Atlanta.

The three-time Grammy winner was there to perform at Vice President Kamala Harris’s first campaign rally in the city as the presumptive Democratic nominee. Naturally, Megan wore a bright blue pantsuit fit for a Hottie – complete with a cropped blazer and button down, skin-tight bottoms, and a necktie to match. She took care to sensor her tracks and keep the twerking modest as she and a crew of dancers burst into “Girls in the Hood,” her 2020 flip of an Eazy-E classic. 

As she performed her viral hit “Mamushi,” the crowd sang along, but soon, the real reason the rap star was there emerged as she transitioned into “Body.”

“Now I know my ladies in the crowd love their bodies,” she said fresh out of the Mamushi dance break. “And you want to keep loving your body — you know who to vote for!” As she performed the “Savage” remix, she told the crowd that “real savages” vote.

“I’m so happy to be here Atlanta! We’re about to make history with the first female president,” the artist declared. “The first Black female president! Let’s get this done!”

Megan is no stranger to advocacy. In 2021, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who died on July 19, presented Megan with a Humanitarian Award from their district. When Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, she called out the decision while performing at Glastonbury Festival in the U.K, and led the crowd in a chant of “My body, my motherfucking choice,” echoing a lyric in her 2022 song “Gift & A Curse.”

The rapper has continued to highlight the line on the road, giving it a standout moment at Washington D.C.’s Broccoli City Festival on Sunday, just two days before the rally.

In 2020, when she made her Saturday Night Live debut as a musical guest, Megan spotlighted the killing of Breonna Taylor, a Black emergency medical technician in Kentucky who was shot by police when plainclothes officers executed a no-knock warrant at her home obtained with a falsified affidavit. A backdrop for Megan’s performance at the time read “Protect Black Women” and she used vocal clips of activist Tamika Mallory condemning Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron’s management of the case. It also included a portion of a famous 1962 speech by Malcolm X, in which the civil rights leader says: “The most disrespected, unprotected, neglected person in America is the Black woman.”

Soon after that Saturday Night Live performance, she published an op-ed in the New York Times titled “Why I Speak Up for Black Women.” In it, she connected being shot by Tory Lanez to other instances of misogynoir — a term for misogyny specific to Black women — in acts of violence, as well as health care, pop culture, and politics. “I’m not afraid of criticism,” she wrote. “We live in a country where we have the freedom to criticize elected officials. And it’s ridiculous that some people think the simple phrase ‘Protect Black women’ is controversial.”

ATLANTA – Phaedra Parks is making a comeback to “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” after a six-season hiatus. Parks announced her return in a video, where she is seen stepping out of a private jet while holding a peach, symbolizing her return to the show.

Fans have been eagerly requesting Bravo to bring Parks back for the 16th season, and their wishes have been granted. The upcoming season will also feature other notable cast members, including original housewife Porsha Williams, Drew Sidora, Shamea Morton, and newcomer Brittany Eady.

With this exciting lineup, the 16th season of The Real Housewives of Atlanta promises to deliver drama, entertainment, and all the glamour fans love.

On the field on Monday, the Braves experienced another frustrating loss in the series opener against the Brewers.

Off the field, Alex Anthopoulos is bringing back a few familiar names, including outfielder Jorge Soler to help address some of the offensive needs the Braves have. The Braves acquired Soler and Luke Jackson from the Giants while sending Tyler Matzek back to the Giants in the trade. Beyond the offensive potential of Soler, the Braves also managed to keep the prospect cost at a minimum by taking on nearly all of Soler’s contact. This could allow the Braves to make additional moves on Tuesday.

The addition of Soler may seem odd as he is mainly a DH and he is owed significant money over each of the next two seasons. However, Soler is a good source of getting on base that also offers tremendous power potential. While he has not been as good in 2024 as he was in 2023, he has been producing excellent offense in July. As a result, Anthopolous really enjoys bringing back names that have previous success on his teams. And in Soler, he know adds another impact bat that has added value both in the regular season and the playoffs.

Braves News

The other significant, and very positive, news of the day was Reynaldo Lopez having a clean MRI after his injury scare on Sunday. Brian Snitker added Lopez could even make his next start.

To continue the positive vibes, the Braves will be back on Comcast on August 1st.

The Braves brought Darius Vines back to Atlanta early on Monday. However, after pitching in the game against the Brewers, Vines was designated for assignment as part of the acquisition of Soler and Jackson.

Atlanta is one of several teams that have been connected to having interest in acquiring White Sox starter Garrett Crochet.

Jeff Passan breaks down the Braves acquisition of Soler, as they attempt to recapture the magic that resulted in their 2021 World Series title.

Justin Toscano looks at an emotional day for Grant Holmes, who made his first start in the big leagues on Monday. Toscano also provides more details on Soler returning to Atlanta.

Mark Bowman suggests the Braves are putting faith in Soler finding similar success this season as he did in 2021 with Atlanta.

David Obrien provides more details on the trade, and how Atlanta truly is getting the band back together from 2021.

MLB News

The Astros acquired starter Yusei Kikuchi from the Blue Jays on Monday.

Milwaukee continued to strengthen its pitching staff by trading for Reds starter Frankie Months.

The Dodgers were busy on Monday, landing both Tommy Edman in a three team deal and trading for Amed Rosario for a second straight season.

Bobby Witt Jr. continued his incredible second half of the season with a Grand Slam in the Royals win on Monday.

Paul Skenes produced his 100th strikeout on Monday in historic fashion, the latest proof of how incredible his rookie season has been.

The Pirates, Yankees, and Astros remain interested in Rays first baseman Yandy Díaz.

The White Sox appear unlikely to move star outfielder Luis Robert at the Trade Deadline.

The Pirates acquired Jalen Beeks from the Rockies and Nick Yorke from Boston.

The Mariners traded for Justin Turner from the Blue Jays.

The Guardians traded for outfielder Lane Thomas from the Nationals.

The Royals traded for starter Michael Lorenzen from the Rangers.